08/05/2026
Celebrate America’s Story at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area During National Park Week
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area invites visitors of all ages to “Celebrate America’s Story” during National Park Week, August 22–30, 2026, and to take part in a full season of engaging programs running through September. With hands-on activities, stewardship opportunities, and adventures on land and water, Bighorn Canyon offers a memorable way to experience the landscapes and stories that define our nation.
“National Park Week is a powerful reminder that places like Bighorn Canyon are not just beautiful landscapes, but living chapters in America’s story,” said Superintendent Dustin Sene. “As we look toward our nation’s 250th anniversary, we want every visitor — whether they join a program, volunteer for a clean-up, or simply sit quietly by the water — to feel that they are part of something bigger than themselves. Bighorn Canyon belongs to all of us, and National Park Week is an invitation to come out, connect with this special place, and help us care for it so its stories can inspire generations to come,” said Superintendent Dustin Sene.
🇺🇸 National Park Week: Celebrate America’s Story 🇺🇸
In honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the 2026 National Park Week theme is “Celebrate America’s Story.” Bighorn Canyon is a place where many of those stories come to life — through its dramatic cliffs and winding waters, the legacy of Native peoples and ranching communities, and the ongoing efforts to preserve these resources for future generations.
From August 22–30, visitors are invited to explore the park’s stunning natural landscapes, reflect on our shared history and diverse cultures, and create new personal stories in the great outdoors.
Featured National Park Week activities include:
August 22 – Driftwood Art at Horseshoe Bend
Unleash your creativity and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Join Aquatic Invasive Species Intern Natalie at the Horseshoe Bend Picnic Area for driftwood painting from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Participants can collect driftwood from the surrounding area and transform it into a free work of art that celebrates their time at Bighorn Canyon. This activity is perfect for families, budding artists, and anyone looking for a relaxing, hands-on way to connect with the park.
August 29 – Park-Wide Clean-Up at Horseshoe Bend
Show your love for the National Park Service and help keep Bighorn Canyon beautiful. Join AIS Intern Charlie at 10:00 a.m. at Horseshoe Bend for area assignments, then take part in a park-wide clean-up from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Volunteers will help protect wildlife habitat, keep trails and shorelines inviting, and ensure that future visitors can enjoy the same breathtaking views. Participants should bring work gloves, water, snacks, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Trash bags will be provided. This is a meaningful way to give back during National Park Week and to become part of the park’s ongoing story of stewardship.
🛶Water-Based Programs: Adventure on the Canyon Waters 🎣
Beyond National Park Week, Bighorn Canyon will offer a variety of summer programs, including water-based adventures that highlight the park’s spectacular lake and canyon environments.
August 8 – Guided Kayak Tour with Club Dauntless
Paddle through the heart of Bighorn Canyon and experience the park from a whole new perspective. Bighorn Canyon and Club Dauntless are partnering to offer a guided kayak tour, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. Up to 10 participants will be supplied with equipment, and up to five additional participants with their own kayaks and gear are welcome to join, for a total group size of 15.
All participants must call ahead and register with Club Dauntless. Registration will open one week before the event, and trips are subject to cancellation at the guide’s discretion due to weather or safety conditions. Registered participants will be notified in the event of a cancellation. On the day of the tour, participants should meet at Barry’s Landing at 10:30 a.m. to prepare for launch.
August 15 – Yoga on the Pond
Join Club Dauntless and Bighorn Canyon for Yoga on the Pond. Starting at 9 a.m., Dauntless instructors will lead yoga along the shore of the fishing pond. Participants should bring a yoga mat or blanket, water, snacks, sun protection, and water shoes.
A Full Season of Programs
These highlighted events are part of a full slate of summer programming running through September. Whether visitors come to paint by the water, paddle beneath towering canyon walls, or roll up their sleeves to help care for public lands, they will find opportunities to learn, recreate, and connect with the deeper stories of Bighorn Canyon.
By joining these activities, visitors not only celebrate America’s 250 years of history but also help write the next chapter — through their experiences, their stewardship, and their appreciation for the landscapes that define our shared heritage.
Find more events, along with event details and other information, at https://www.nps.gov/bica/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.
Plan Your Visit
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, check current conditions, and confirm program details before arriving. For more information on National Park Week events, summer programming, and registration for the guided kayak tour, please contact Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area or visit the park’s official website and social media channels.
This National Park Week, come to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area to celebrate America’s story — and to create your own!
